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Atlanta Area Tree Lighting Celebrations for 2012

By , About.com Guide

Each year, communities gather outside to kick off the Christmas season at one of the many tree lighting festivals around Atlanta. Get the scoop on your local celebration. This list includes Atlanta tree lighting events for the 2012 holiday season. Can't make it to the tree lighting? Check out the best holiday light displays in Atlanta.

Acworth

December 7, 2012

The annual tree lighting and the arrival of Santa will take place in Downtown Acworth. Activities include a reading of The Night Before Christmas by the Mayor and pictures with Santa. Arrive at the Depot at 5:15 p.m. to schedule your picture time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, pictures begin at 6:45 p.m. Time slots for pictures are limited. There will not be professional photographers. Parents will be allowed to bring their own cameras. 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Alpharetta

November 30, 2012

This annual celebration in Milton Square City Park will feature live music, dance performances, train rides, crafts and more festive holiday activities. The children’s classic book, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, will be read on the main stage by the Mayor. Santa & Mrs. Claus will arrive for visits and free photos (parents can bring cameras or volunteers will take online photos). Festivities start at 5 p.m.

Atlanta at Macys Lenox Square

November 22, 2012

Join in Atlanta’s yearly tradition as The Great Tree is lit high atop Macy’s Lenox Square. This year’s event will feature country star Trace Adkins and a fireworks finale at this a star-studded holiday kickoff.

Atlantic Station

November 17, 2012

Celebrate in Central Park with the lighting of the tree at Atlantic Station, kicking off the holiday season which will include lots of fun events and even snow. The all day celebration (noon - 6 p.m.) includes live music, arts, crafts, winter treats, and family-friendly activities. Santa arrives at 7:15 p.m. for the 8 p.m. tree lighting.

Cartersville

December 6, 2012

Head to Downtown Cartersville's Friendship Plaza for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. This year the ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Cartersville-Bartow County Exchange Club Christmas Parade.

Dunwoody

November 18, 2012

The annual Light Up Dunwoody will take place from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at The Spruill Farmhouse. There will be a Holiday Village, photos with Santa (bring your own photos) and his sleigh (complete with reindeer) and a tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.

Kennesaw

December 1, 2012

Kick off the holiday season in Kennesaw with an all day festival and an evening tree lighting. A Day with Santa includes a holiday parade (1 p.m.), tree lighting (5:30 p.m.), live music, a snow playground, and a sing-a-long, visits with Santa and a petting zoo.

Marietta Square

November 29, 2012

Glover Park hosts Santa and local holiday-lovers for the lighting of the towering town Christmas tree in Historic Marietta. Events begin at 5:00 p.m. and the giant tree lights up at 6 p.m.. Local chorus performers will fill the air with the sounds of the holidays. Visit with Santa until 8 p.m.

Norcross

November 30, 2012

Norcross is hosting a month of holiday events, beginning with the lighting of the tree and Santa's arrival in Thrasher Park. The celebration begins at 5:45 p.m. with live music, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, and carriage rides.

Roswell

December 1, 2012

Roswell hosts Holiday Celebration on the Square, the annual holiday season event with carolers, the lighting of the tree, a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a visit from Santa (photos available for a small fee) and more. Activities start at 5 p.m. on the Historic Square.

Vinings Jubilee

November 29, 2012

Enjoy the sounds of the season, holiday vendors, pony and and train rides, face painting and a visit from jolly old St. Nick himself at Vinings Jubilee from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

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